6 Fireplace Question Everyone Has On Their Minds

Can’t wait to cozy up with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate near a fireplace? Or, to have your child send that all important letter to Santa Claus?

The crackle and pop sound is almost too satisfying to the ears. You surely must have some questions before you relocate to Atlanta and get a classy fireplace to your living room. It is one of the trickiest things to do deal with, and you have to be sure before installing one.

Here are six questions about fireplace you might
have on your mind:

1. Is your fireplace efficient?

The efficiency depends
on the type of fireplace you want to install. A
wood-burning fireplace is old-school and sounds exotic but not very efficient.
Most of the heat escapes through the chimney, even when you aren’t burning
wood. If the fireplace is installed
against the outside wall, it loses heat even faster. You can add an insulation
plug to retain more heat inside the house. However, wood-burning fireplaces are
only good for occasional use as they are hiring
maintenance and need to be cleaned often.

Gas fireplaces are more efficient because they are designed that way. They are also
inexpensive as they don’t use any wood and are easy to clean. However, it can
be costly if you want to modify the chimney for a gas fireplace. If you don’t
use a fireplace often, you can place different sizes of candles in the burning
area for an aesthetic appeal.

2. How does a wood-burning fireplace work?

A wood-burning fireplace is relatively easy to
use. The caveman could do it, so can you. Follow our guide for the in-detail
steps:

Step 1. Perform a yearly inspection

Every year, you should hire a licensed fireplace
inspector to check the fireplace before winter kicks in. This is something you can’t forget because your
safety is at stake.

Step 2. Clean out the fireplace

Clean out the leftover wood pieces, ashes, and
soot. Make sure the damper is open and working well.

Step 3. Prepare the wood pieces

Seasoned hardwood is the best choice for your
fireplace. It should be split and dried for a minimum of six months. A simple
way to check for quality is its color. Pick logs that are dark, cracked at the
edges, and make a hollow sound when you knock them.

Roll up several newspapers together and make a
ball. Keep the ball in the fireplace and line the pieces around it.

Step 4. Prepare the flue

In this step, you have to heat the cold air
inside the flue, so that the hot air from the fireplace doesn’t escape through
the chimney. Roll a newspaper and light it. Hold it close to the open damper
for up to two minutes.

Step 5. Fire it up

You are all done. It is time to light the
fireplace and drink some hot chocolate.

3. Is a fireplace safe?

There’s nothing more unsafe than fire, but by taking proper precautions, you can enjoy
your fireplace without worrying. Make sure there is nothing flammable around
the fireplace. Use a metal or mesh screen to limit the fire and keep children
away from it. Check the smoke detector, extinguishers, and house evacuation
route before the winter season begins. Keep the damper open to avoid the smoke
from entering your house.

4. How many times should I clean the chimney?

Soot and creosote not only looks shabby but also decreases airflow and increases
the chances of a fire risk. If you use the fireplace often, clean it twice a
week such that the residue layer is only ⅛” thick. Cover your nose with a dust
mask, sweep out the ashes, and clean the surface using a brush.

5. Will a gas fireplace smell?

Propane doesn’t have a smell of its own, but a component is added to make it smell for
your safety. However, you can only smell it when there is a gas leak. Vent-free
gas fireplaces have oxygen depletion sensors, which automatically switch-off
the flame if it detects carbon monoxide.

You will still need to install carbon monoxide
detectors because the sensors aren’t fooled
proof. Even if you don’t use the fireplace regularly, inspect the
detectors every month. Press the test button and check it is working properly.

6. Can I install a gas fireplace in the bedroom?

You can install a glass fireplace anywhere if
the room has a propane or a natural gas connection. You can place it inside or
outside the wall, under the window, in a corner, or at floor level.

Make sure to take all safety measures and keep
the fireplace as clean as possible.

Candace loves writing about homes and new communities. She currently lives in Atlanta and enjoys helping others relocate to the area. Candace sometimes works with Real Estate Agents for information for the blog and/or just in general.